Matt: Is there a newly designed mast cup and mast pole end for the AI? And if so, do we need to order the entire mast pole, the bottom half, or can we just get the end piece along with the new cup. It appears from the picture I saw that there's a new spring device to hold the mast as well as a reversal on the pin / socket arrangement to eliminate the sand wear. When are these available and what will be the order numbers? Thanks.

So does that mean that because of the new diameter size in the improved cup, those of us with 2007 hulls cannot use the new improved cup and mast assembly even if we are willing to pay for an entire mast and cup assembly?

Okay, thanks for answering. Hopefully, something can be worked out. The new clip fastener and reverse male/female sounds ideal for those of us who always have to empty the sand and water after an ocean sail, not to mention almost losing the mast once because of that holding clip that can get bent out of alignment. Keep us updated if any kind of adjustment kit can make it all work.

Looks like a good improvement, but it seem that any sand that get into the cup will still cause problem and need to be cleaned out. Anyhow, will parts for the 2007 model still be available for a few years to come, or do we need to stock up? I have had no problems with old system with lots of use.

Matt: Good news. What's the order numbers for the new mast and cup? I want to make sure the numbers are correct so they ship the new one and I'll mount the new mast and cup on my 2007. With that and the new up/down kit, spring should be really "smooth sailing" off of Long Island. Thanks, Matt!

I have not tried this conversion, so who wants to be first? Looks like $369.95 in parts. You might be able to adapt the mast by cutting off and replacing the furler drum and the mast base... but that is also theory at this point. The drum and mast base would be much less expensive than an assembled mast, but you risk major damage to the mast in attempting to remove the original parts.

You are unbelievable, Matt. Instant response. Seriously, I hope Hobie knows how valuable you are. Thanks. I'm going to go for the whole deal with new mast. I'll have Glenn at Helisport on Long Island order it after the holidays when things have calmed down in the shipping lanes. Thanks again for the speedy response.

Really nice that older Islands have this option to upgrade to newer mastcup & pin.

Matt on the mast.
It comes in 2 sections. Wouldn't one be able to just purchase the bottom half of the mast? When I broke my mast (very first style w/o the reinforcment collar) Hobie sent only the bottom 1/2 of the mast which mated up perfectly with the old original top 1/2.

The masts are made in one piece and then cut and spliced to make them two piece. I am pretty sure we can not get halfs from the vendor, so we will be stuck with uppers that will not sell. If I can arrange for lowers from the vendor, we can consider further "Half Mast" sales, but at this point it is not available that way.